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AKAI DPS24 Details
Akai DPS24 - 24-TRACK DIGITAL STUDIO
The Akai Professional DPS24 Digital Personal Studio combines a 24-track 24bit hard disk recorder/editor, a 46-channel automated digital mixer with a complete studio monitoring section, 4 stereo effects processors with FX library, a programmable patch-bay and a mastering suite with built-in CD-RW drive, in one extremely powerful desktop unit.
With its generous complement of dedicated keys, rotary encoders, and motorized faders, the DPS24’s tactile user interface provides direct access to all commonly used functions, without requiring that you cursor your way through endless menus and peer at countless LCD pages just to make some small but significant adjustment.
The DPS24 offers extensive and expandable connectivity: numerous analog I/Os using high-quality AD/DA converters, multiple digital I/Os, Wordclock, MIDI, USB, and even SCSI and SMPTE options.
Its custom real-time multi-tasking Operating System and dedicated hardware saves you from the headaches of computer-based configurations, conflicts and crashes. Ease-of-use and reliability are the keys of the DPS24.
However, the DPS24 also communicates very well with computer systems: complete audio import/export features are included, using standard Data CD and Hard disk formats, and the free akSys TrackView software allows you, with a simple USB connection to your PC, to view your projects on a large monitor, see waveforms scrolling across the screen and see detailed metering. The display also shows timecode, edit points and locate markers, track names/status and more. The free akSysServer utility can also be used to transfer files to/from your DPS24 and PC via USB, and Art Technika’s Console application allows you to run multiple off-the-shelf VST and DX plug-ins in real-time via ADAT optical lightpipe.
Unlike most all-in-one studios, the DPS24 does not suffer from the compromises of such system. It is comparable to a component system, but in a box.
For instance, the recorder/editor offers as many track keys as physical tracks (i.e. 24) and you can seamlessly punch-in/out individual tracks on-the-fly. It features sample accurate editing with sample accurate waveform display and analog-like multi-track audio scrubbing thanks to its dedicated jog/shuttle wheel, including varispeed and reverse playback. Both non-destructive copy/paste editing and off-line DSP functions such as timestretch and pitchshift are provided.
As another example, the digital mixer uses professional 100mm touch-sensitive motorized faders for easy and accurate control of the dynamic automation, which supports overwrite, auto-drop, return and trim modes.
But apart from the obvious requirements you would expect from a digital studio, it's the small details that also make the DPS24 unique in its field. Things like MAIN/NEARFIELD and MONO monitoring switchable from the front panel for 'reference checking' a mix, STUDIO outputs with built-in talkback for talent ‘cue mix’, direct ADC inputs to connect outboard preamps bypassing the internal input stage, etc.
However, there are also benefits to an integrated system like the DPS24, such as simultaneous editing of audio tracks and mixer automation, or a single data backup for the entire system.
The only true 24-track 24bit linear professional hardware workstation on the market. The most open system for expansion and communication with other systems. The best sounding integrated system in this price range, with 24bit/96kHz support.
Applications/customers
Serious Home Studio / Private Commercial Studio, aspiring Audio Engineer, Semi-pro / Pro Musician
Live recording, small venue live sound, Radio/Jingle Production, Houses of Worship.
DPS24 KEY FEATURES
1) True 24-Track Hard disk Recorder
24 mono tracks, 24bit uncompressed, 256 virtual tracks per Project
24 Track select keys, with Track Punch on-the-fly
Up to 24 tracks simultaneous recording, for live recording or digital transfers
Up to 24 channels of ADAT Digital Inputs/Outputs, with sample accurate ADAT Sync
2) Full-featured onboard Editing
Sample accurate editing, with sample accurate scrolling Waveform display and tape-like audio scrubbing
Non-destructive editing: Copy, Cut, Erase, Insert, Paste, Repeat, Move
Off-line DSP features: TimeStretch, PitchShift, BPM Match, Varispeed, Reverse, Normalize, Resample
Multi-level Undo/Redo
3) Digital Mixer
46 channels (12 mono inputs, 1 stereo Aux input, 24 mono track returns, 4 stereo FX returns)
Digital EQ and Dynamics processors on every mono channel (inputs and tracks), with onboard libraries
Surround Mixing (5.1, LCRS and Quad) ready (V2.0 to be released before end of 2004)
Onboard dynamic and snapshot automation
13 professional 100mm long-throw, touch-sensitive motorized faders
18 encoders for real-time control of parameters
Monitor section with Main/Nearfield outputs, stereo studio cue output with built-in talkback microphone
4) Effects processing
4 simultaneous 56bit stereo FX: Reverb, Chorus, Flanger, Delay, Phaser, Wah, Pitch Shift/Correction,…
FX Library with Snapshot automation
Flexible routing allows real-time processing through outboard equipment, including digital plug-ins hosts
5) Onboard Mastering
46 Channels > 2 to internal Mixdown recorder (46 > 6 in 5.1 Surround mode)
Multi-band Compressor/Expander for stereo Mastering
Sample Rate conversion and Bit Depth dithering
Track-at-Once and Disk-at-Once CD burning
6) Most open system
Standard FAT32 disk format, Broadcast WAV audio files
Extensive multi-track audio Import/Export and data backup features via IDE, SCSI and USB.
ADAT lightpipe I/Os, ADAT Sync out and ADAT LRC remote support
Standard 5”_ IDE bay for CD-RW or removable hard drive
Four ADC Ins “bypass” inputs for outboard preamps
Free ak.Sys TrackView software provides SVGA metering and 24-track scrolling waveform display, plus mouse/keyboard based editing.
Expansion slots design for future upgrades
AKAI DPS24 Specs
Sampling Rate 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz
Quantization Bit 24 bit/16 bit, uncompressed
Number of Playback Tracks 24 mono Tracks up to 48kHz / 12 Tracks at 88.2kHz and 96kHz
Number of Record Tracks 24 mono Tracks up to 48kHz / 12 Tracks at 88.2kHz and 96kHz
Number of Virtual Tracks 256 Virtual Tracks per Project
Recording Media Internal IDE Hard disk or external Wide-SCSI Hard disk
File Format / Audio format Single partition FAT32 / Broadcast WAV (linear)
Recording Time per 10 GB @ 24bit FS=96kHz
Approx. 9 hrs. 55 min. (12 tracks x 49 min. 45 sec.)
FS=44.1kHz Approx. 21 hrs. 35 min. (24 tracks x 54 min. 10 sec.)
Mixer Channels 46 (12 mono inputs, 1 stereo input, 24 track returns, 4 stereo FX returns) 48k
24 (6 mono inputs, 1 stereo inputs, 12 track returns, 2 stereo FX returns) 96k
Mixer Busses 20 (8 groups, 4 FX sends, 4 Aux sends, stereo master and solo) 48k
16 (8 groups, 2 FX sends, 2 Aux sends, stereo master and solo) 96k
Channel EQ 3-band semi-parametric (20 Hz -20kHz, +/- 24dB) on every mono channel
Channel Dynamics Compressor/Expander and Noise Gate on every mono channel
Internal FX 4 simultaneous processors at 48kHz / 2 at 96kHz
Onboard preamps 12 x Mic/Line switchable preamps with gain trim and tri-color signal LED
ADC 24bit/96k 128-times oversampling, enhanced dual bit delta/sigma modulation
DAC 24bit/96k 8-times oversampling, advanced segment delta/sigma modulation
Dynamic Range 104dB or more (30kHz LPF, FS=44.1kHz)
Distortion Ratio 0.003% or less (1kHz, 44.1kHz)
Channel Crosstalk 80dB or less (10kHz referenced, 100 ohms terminated)
Analog Audio Inputs
Inputs A,
1-12
12 x 1/4" TRS Phone/XLR Combo Jack - balanced
Phantom Power provided for XLR connection 1-4
Inputs B,
1-12 12 x 1/4" TRS Phone Jack - balanced
Hi-Z (DI) 1 x 1/4" Phone Jack - unbalanced
ADC In 1-4 4 x 1/4" TRS Phone Jack - balanced
Stereo
AUX In 2 x 1/4" TRS Phone Jack - balanced
2-Track In 2 x RCA - unbalanced
Analog Audio Outputs Stereo Out 2 x 1/4" TRS Phone Jack - balanced
Main
(monitor) 2 x 1/4" TRS Phone Jack - balanced
Nearfield (monitor) 2 x 1/4" TRS Phone Jack - balanced
Studio Out
2 x 1/4" TRS Phone Jack - balanced
Direct Out
1-4
4 x 1/4" TRS Phone Jack - balanced
AUX Sends
1-4 4 x 1/4" TRS Phone Jack - balanced
Stereo Headphone Outputs 2 x Stereo Phone Jack - adjustable
Digital Audio Input 1 x RCA (SPDIF) 2-channels assignable
1 x Toslink Optical (stereo SPDIF / 8-channel ADAT, switchable)
Digital Audio Output 1 x RCA (SPDIF) Master Output
1 x Toslink Optical (stereo SPDIF / 8-channel ADAT, switchable)
Wordclock 1 x BNC - In/Out switchable
Foot switch 1 x 1/4" Phone Jack – also accepts ADAT LRC remote
MIDI 3 x 5pin DIN - IN, OUT, THRU
ASCII Keyboard 1 x 6pin Mini-DIN, PS2
USB 1 x Slave V1.1, for connection to computer
Internal IDE Drives 1 x 80GB Hard disk and 1 x CD-RW drive (in a 5”_ bay)
Options IB-24LTC - SMPTE/EBU LTC Reader/Generator Interface Board
IB-24ADT - 16in/16out ADAT Interface Board w/ADAT Sync
IB-24SCSI - 68pin Wide SCSI Interface Board
Dimensions
& Weight (W) x 7.5” (H) x 22.8” (D)
726mm (W) x 190mm (H) x 579mm (D)
28.6”
40lbs/18kg
GENERAL
Display 320 x 240 dots grey-scale graphic LCD with back light, with adjustable angle
Time Display 8 x 7-segment LED display, Time Code or Bar/Beat/Clock display
Accessories AC Cable
Operator's Manual
Power AC 120V 60Hz (US, Canada), 110W
AKAI DPS24 Documentation
AKAI DPS24 FAQ
Q. How many analog inputs does the DPS24 have?
A. The DPS24 has 28 analog inputs arranged in 2 banks of 12 inputs plus 2 x RCA tape inputs and 2 AUX inputs for bringing in sub-mixers, etc.. Each input channel has an XLR-1/4" balanced combo jack (Inputs A) and a second bank of balanced inputs (Inputs B) inputs that can be selected with a push button switch located at the top of each channel strip. This reduces the need for continual re-patching by allowing you to have many devices connected while allowing you to easily select the source for that input channel from the front panel.
Additionally, the first 4 input channels provide switchable phantom power. Unlike other similar products in this field, these inputs also feature balanced inserts for connecting outboard analog compressors, on separate SEND/RETURN jacks (TRS) that can also be used as balanced, direct channel outs and/or direct ADC inputs.
The direct ADC inputs are great if you have invested in external mic-preamps - just connect the mic-pre to the balanced ADC input on any of the first 4 inputs and the signal goes directly to the A/D converter and bypasses the DPS24's input stage.
Q. How many tracks can the DPS24 record simultaneously?
A. Normally, at sample rates up to 48kHz, the DPS24 can record up to 16 tracks simultaneously with no compromise to performance. However, it's also possible to record all 24 tracks in a special mode designed for transferring material from other recorders into the DPS24, or for live recording. When recording all 24 tracks, seamless punches will no longer be possible on all tracks but this really isn't an issue during transfers or live recording.
The DPS24 comes with 16 channels of onboard 24bit Analog-to-Digital conversion (12 mono preamps and 2 pairs of stereo line inputs), plus 10 channels of 24bit digital inputs (2-channel SPDIF plus 8-channel ADAT lightpipe). By connecting an outboard 8-channel Analog to Digital converter to the ADAT lightpipe input (there are several choices), 24 analog sources can be recorded for live applications.
24-track digital transfers can be performed with the addition of the optional IB-24ADT ADAT expansion card, which provides a total of 24 channels of ADAT digital lightpipe I/O (on 3 pairs of optical connectors).
At 88.2kHz or 96kHz, the DPS24 can record up to 12 tracks simultaneously using its onboard 24bit/96kHz ADCs.
Q. Does the DPS24 use data compression when recording?
A. Absolutely not!
Data compression is not a good thing as the quality of the audio is degraded. In fact, some products actually reduce the number of usable track unless you use compression. Not so with the DPS24. The DPS24 uses linear recording to make absolutely sure that what you record is exactly what you get during playback.
Some other systems also significantly reduce the number of usable tracks at 24bit linear vs. 16bit resolution. Not the DPS24. The DPS24 can record and playback the same number of tracks at 16bit or 24bit resolutions.
Q. How many mixer channels are available?
A. The DPS24 provides a 46-channel digital mixer consisting of 12 mono input channels, 24 disk tracks, 4 stereo effects returns and a stereo aux input.
This means that you can mix your 24 internal tracks and 12 external “live” sources such as sequenced MIDI sound modules, or additional tracks from another synchronized multi-track recorder, plus stereo FX returns. In Mixdown mode, all those 46 channels can be recorded in real-time to a virtual Master recorder (in addition to the 24 tracks).
The mono input channels and disk channels provide level, pan, compressor/limiter/expander, noise gate, 3-band EQ (hi/low shelving and a 20-20kHz sweepable frequency with variable Q), solo, L/R routing, Group 1-8 routing, 4 x pre/post sends individually assignable to the internal FX or to external Aux sends and/or Studio outs for talkback monitoring.
Q. Does the DPS24 support built-in automation?
A. Yes, both dynamic and snapshot automation are supported.
The DPS24 features 100 mm touch-sensitive moving faders with full dynamic automation of level and pan, channel on/off, FX/AUX sends and returns. Automation parameters such as levels, mutes and pans can be enabled/disabled during automation recording allowing you to capture only what you want. There's also a RECORD SAFE mode that allows you to protect individual channels from being accidentally overwritten.
With touch-sensitive faders, recording your automation is easy. At any time during the automation recording process just grab the fader, make the adjustment and the original control movement will be overwritten. It's that easy.
Additionally, when you're moving bits and pieces of your audio around in the EDIT mode you have the option of including any automation data associated with the audio region you've specified. This allows the mix automation events (fades, mutes, etc.) to be copied as well, maintaining the integrity of the mix for that region.
The DPS24 also provides snapshot automation of EQ, dynamics and FX type/parameters.
Q. What kind of edit functions are available?
A. The DPS24 supports non-destructive Copy, Cut, Erase, Insert, Paste and Move functions that use an edit 'clipboard' in much the same way as computer-based applications. When a Copy is performed, the audio is 'copied' to the clipboard and made available for inserting or pasting. Audio regions can be copied within the same project, or between different projects. Additionally, up to two tracks can be viewed in the onboard waveform screen at once, with zooming down to sample resolution, making it easier to edit stereo tracks. And, to assist in locating accurate edit points, it is possible to jog/scrub all 24 tracks. It is possible to edit all 24 tracks simultaneously.
Q. What is non-destructive editing and why is it important?
A. When performing non-destructive editing there is no duplication or re-writing of the audio on the disk. This makes editing functions much faster than on many portable studio products as well as making the most efficient use of your disk space. For example, when a section of audio is copied from one location to another, the audio is not actually duplicated on the disk. If it were actually copied, the audio would exist in two separate locations on the disk drive which would not be the most efficient use of your disk space. Non-destructive editing uses pointers to reference audio on the disk. In other words, when you 'copy' the audio you are only adding a second set of pointers that reference the exact same audio on the disk, not re-writing the same audio to another location on the disk.
Q. Does the DPS24 have a built-in VGA port?
A. No, but it's really not a bad thing. To achieve a SVGA display we've included a USB port that will allow a real-time Track View display via the free ak.Sys software running on a simple PC computer. The reason we planned the DPS24 to utilize a computer was to create an open architecture design that allows for a great deal of future expansion.
For instance, this allows displaying all 24-tracks with scrolling waveforms on all tracks, as well as high-resolution metering for all mixer channels, groups and FX/Aux busses, all in one screen, without using any performance from the audio processor.
Furthermore, the USB connection between the DPS24 and the computer also allows file exchange, such as multi-track timestamped WAV file import/export, and even Project data backup on the computer drives.
Q. Does the DPS24 have built-in effects?
A. Yes, the DPS24 provides a 4-bus effects processor that features a wide variety of studio quality reverb, delay, chorus, flange and phaser effects. Also included is a real-time vocal pitch corrector designed to make pitch corrections on the fly.
A multi-band compressor/expander is also included for mastering purposes.
Q. Does the DPS24 support 3rd party plug-ins?
A. Not internally. However, thanks to its flexible routing and extensive digital I/O capabilities, it is possible to route FX/Aux sends, Groups or even individual tracks to digital outputs and route digital inputs to available mixer channels.
This flexibility combined with a computer equipped with a multi-channel digital I/O interface and a plug-in host such as “Console” allows you to use as many off-the-shelf 3rd party plug-ins (VST, DX, …) in real-time as your computer can handle.
Of course, you can use the same computer for ak.Sys TrackView and Console (or any other host application).
Ultimately, with the IB-24ADT ADAT expansion card for the DPS4 and a 24 channel ADAT interface for the computer, it is possible to send all 24 tracks from the DPS24 to the computer to be processed individually.
Q. What type of synchronization capabilities does the DPS24 offer?
A. The DPS24 supports MIDI Time Code (MTC) Master/Slave, MIDI Clock Slave, MIDI Machine Control (MMC) Master/Slave, and offers an optional SMPTE/EBU time code reader/generator, as well as an optional ADAT Sync Out interface.
The MIDI functions allow synchronization with any MIDI sequencer or audio sequencer. The DPS24 can be set to act both as a MTC Master and MMC Slave, which provides bi-directional control between the DPS24 and a sequencer such as the MPC4000. The entire system can be controlled using either transports.
The SMPTE option allows synchronization with multi-track tape machines, or with video decks.
The ADAT option allows synchronization with ADAT decks.
Q. What Audio Import/Export capabilities does the DPS24 offer?
A. The DPS24 offers the most extensive support for audio file exchange.
It supports Import/Export of any combination of tracks up to 24 tracks simultaneously.
Compatible file formats are16 or 24bit, mono, stereo or multi-channel WAV or Broadcast WAV (with sample accurate Timestamp), and mono or stereo AIFF files (Mac format).
Import/Export features can be performed via the onboard CD-RW drive (using ISO9660 standard CD-Rs), via the optional IB-24SCSI wide-SCSI option (using FAT16/FAT32 formatted drives, which can be mounted on either Mac or PC systems) or via the onboard USB port (direct USB transfer between the DPS24 and a Mac OS X or Windows XP computer using the free akSysServer application).
It is even possible to replace the internal CD-RW drive by a removable IDE hard drive and use this drive for Import/Export.
AKAI DPS24 Downloads
Akai DPS24 Digital Recorder at MusiciansBuy!
RATING:
| Sound Quality |
10 | |
| Features |
10 | |
| Ease Of Use |
8 | |
| Value |
10 | |
| Reliability |
10 | |
| Overall |
10 | |
Ease of Use: 8 The DPS24 is truly a pro-level machine, with 9 individual fader banks (108 total user faders) and full automation (faders, static, and FX), - there is almost no limit to what can be done on this unit. The sound quality is amazing, and we usually record at 24-bit, 44.1k! This professional level machine has an amazingly broad feature set. Certainly it is expected that learning such a complex machine takes a bit of time (just ask any Pro Tools power user!) For those who are impatient, or who may want to learn the features and shortcuts quicker, instructional videos are available from ww.wfstudios.net Their newest release Straightline is targeted at new users and even features a video Quick Start Guide to get you tracking fast. Once you learn this machine, you will be blown away with the sound quality of what you can produce with it. Features: 10 With 56-bit internal processing, the mix buss on the DPS 24 easily surpasses Pro Tools sound. The clarity is there, no coloration of sound, VERY flexible EQ, Dynamics, and 4 great stereo FX with a versatile library. Akai is also very on top of their OS (which has NO BUGS!). There are many new features which have been implemented in recent OS updates (available free at the Akai Pro web site) as well. Expressiveness Sounds: 10 Let's put it this way I work with several big name studios in LA, and have often received comments like How did you get such pristine sound on that? The converters on this machine are excellent and overall sound quality is top shelf. Reliability: 10 I've been a DPS 24 user for 4-years now, and in that time I have not had a single crash, lockup, or loss of data. The machine is a rock-solid platform and I don't ever see myself switching to anything else! A Maxtor Diamond 9 Series hard drive is recommended for the most reliable and quiet performance. If your machine has any problems, it may have been shipped with a Seagate drive, which has become incompatible with the latest operating system. Switch to a Maxtor and you ll be running smooth as silk! Customer Support: 10 Akai is a great company, very eager to make sure their customers are happy. Robert Ray at Akai Pro has gladly fielded calls from me and is an excellent testimony to their commitment to support. If you have general questions about the DPS 24, check out www.wfstudios.net where you can buy instructional DVD s for the machine. They also offer paid phone support for studios. Overall Rating: 10 We own three machines now...don't ever see us switching platforms (
-Well-Known Studio...
-California, 09/16/05
AKAI DPS24 DIGITAL RECORDER
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